Tarves and Barthol Chapel Quarterly Newsletter TBC March 2018 Issue 44 TOLQUHON GALLERY Original art in a unique setting beside Tolquhon Castle Paintings, Sculpture, Ceramics, Glass, Wood, Jewellery ART ON THE GREEN — UDNY GREEN A new series of Art Classes begins after Easter Tolquhon, Tarves, Ellon, AB41 7LP T:01651 842343 E: [email protected] www.tolquhon-gallery.co.uk 2 EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to our newsletter’s first edition of 2018. The front cover shows Tarves Brownies’ contribution to the Tarves Parish Tapestry, about which you can read more on page 41. Further front covers for 2018 will show various individual or collective pieces from this original heritage project. You’ll notice also our new ‘mast head’, courtesy of Tolquhon Gallery. Moira first approached me about the editor’s role in 2016 and I agreed to begin this year. Unfortunately, the severity of her illness meant that I never did get to ask her all the questions that only she could answer. There is a valuable lesson for us all here: have those important conversations straight away and file away that valuable information for future recall, whether it be sowing ideas or seeds. The remaining team helped me understand Moira’s approach and high standards. This newsletter is run by and read by communities in the wider Parish of Tarves and beyond, and we will continue to be a vital source of community information sharing. We hope to encourage any newcomers to the village to take part in some of the organisations which are run for the benefit of all ages in the Parish. Of course, we rely on the various groups to update us with information on activi- ties and contact details. I encourage any activity group who is not included in this newsletter to please get in touch so we can add you to our list of contribu- tors. The newsletter has been maintained by a small team for the past two years. Thanks must go to Chris for a decade’s worth of typesetting - since the newsletter began, interspersed with help from Doreen. All finished publica- tions look polished and slick, testament to the time and effort spent upon it. He has now handed this role over to the wider team. Thanks to the advertisers who allow us to publish this newsletter with no charge to the readers. If you would like your business or services shown in these pages, you’ll find our advertising rates on page 16 Please get in touch if you have further questions. Thanks also to the distributors who willingly give time to deliver to as many households as possible. You’ll find a round up of dates, times and venues of group meetings in the middle pages of the magazine. Please check them with each edition, as there are different events throughout the year at which you’ll experience what has become known as a ‘a big Tarves/Barthol Chapel welcome’. Please give the newsletter a good look – there is something in it for everyone. After reading it through, hopefully you’ll want to be part of what goes on in this wonderful Parish of Tarves and Barthol Chapel. Thank you. Ruth Nisbet [email protected] 3 The Manse Tarves Dear Friends I have just returned to work from a period of study leave connected with the Doctorate in Ministry Course which I have been working towards for the last three years of ministry. It was a hard few weeks of intense studying and writing but made much easier by some very thoughtful friends who allowed me to stay in their home for part of that time, while they were away in Australia. These friends live near Tarland and so the studying was punctu- ated with walks amidst the wonderful scenery of the Howe of Cromar. The views of Morven and Lochnagar changed every day with the snow and sun (and fortunately very little rain!). The beauty of creation is sometimes quite breath-taking and like the psalmist I was moved to wonder and praise. “The heavens are telling the glory of God; And the firmament proclaims his handiwork”. (Psalm 19) However it is also good to be back home amongst the people of Tarves. As we journey through the familiar (or not so familiar) landmarks of Lent, towards Easter, I am reminded that the God who is the Creator of such beauty is also the God who loves each one of us, who in Jesus Christ comes into this world and shares our human life so that we might share his risen life, here and now, and for all eternity. And again I am moved to wonder and praise. It is my hope and prayer that it may be so for you also. Wishing you every blessing Alison I Swindells 4 Spring session 2018 We're back again with new ideas on how to get Messy, be creative and celebrate together on the following dates: 2.30pm on Saturday 24th March In Tarves Church for a very special occasion – celebrate our 5th birthday with a puppet show from Out of the Box (www.outofthebox.me.uk/) followed by birthday cake in the Youth Hall. More details soon on www.facebook.com/Tarves-Messy-Church 11am on Sunday 20th May in the Youth Hall, Kirk Brae Messy Church begins with a warm welcome so if you have never been to Messy Church before, come along and join in with babies, toddlers, primary school children and families. Children are NOT dropped off – come and join the fun with them. Messy Church creatively explores Christian and moral themes through getting messy; with crafts, games, a story, prayer and songs. The session ends with some singing, then sharing the special Messy lunch together without you having to clear up or cook. Messy Church models and promotes good ways of growing as a family: mums, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, carers and our own local church congregation – you are all part of the wider family we welcome at Messy Church. Tarves Parish Church of Scotland Charity No: SCO17161 TARVES CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Once again Tarves this Christmas all thanks to Ian Massie and his team of Merry Men. The village square was truly a “Winter Wonderland” when the snow was lying and it would not have been possible without the efforts of you guys. Even the “Tarves Plooman” got a warm scarf & hat to keep out the cold!! So thank you all very much. 5 TARVES KIRK SESSION NEWS Sunday Worship Unless otherwise intimated Tarves Kirk at 11.15am Refreshments on first Sunday of the month Informal Communion after worship on the last Sunday of the month. It was good to share Alison’s medication for young children first Advent and Christmas with with insulin dependent Type 1 us and there were a lot of diabetes. £50 provides a year positive comments. The service of treatment for one child. Your of Nine Lessons and Carols on generous donations raised a the morning of Christmas Eve magnificent £615, plus a was new for Tarves and it was donation from Tarves Messy wonderful to have so many Church of an additional £50 – people involved. That evening changes the lives of 13 children! the Kirk was full as all ages joined together to enjoy Lunchtime Scripture Union Club worship. The procession with JAFFA (Jesus A Friend For glowsticks and the music All)now runs on Thursday provided by Katherine and lunchtimes at the school. It is Harry on piano and saxophone open to P2 upwards with the all added to the atmosphere of P6/7’s acting as helpers. It has excitement. Many people stayed proved to be a great success to enjoy refreshments and with a good number of children fellowship. We also had a very attending. They enjoy activities, good all-age service on songs and films based on Bible Christmas Day – a busy time stories. for Alison! Lent Discussion Group Nkhoma Hospital Appeal This Lent series is based on Over Christmas we raised funds ‘Christ and the Chocolaterie’ for our mission partners in written by Hilary Brand and Malawi to provide much needed centres on the film ‘Chocolat’ 6 (not the book which is signifi- Good Friday: 30th March at cantly different). The film was 7.00pm in Barthol Chapel shown in Tarves Youth Hall on Wednesday February 14th and Palm Sunday: 25th March the group will meet in the 9.00 to 9.30 in Tarves before Manse for the next 5 Wednes- the walk to Barthol Chapel for days at 7.30pm. Everyone those who are able. welcome. The discussions will be self-contained so it's OK to 11.15 at Barthol Chapel Church come when you can. The with refreshments beforehand relevant clip from the film will be shown each week. Easter Day: 1st April 11.15am in Tarves Wednesday 28th February “Giving Up” Safeguarding We have a commitment to Wednesday 7th March ensure that all vulnerable “Giving Out” people are kept as safe as Wednesday 14th March possible and to this end, elders “Getting Wise” have recently completed training. Joan McGill has Wednesday 21st March agreed to be our Safeguarding “Getting Real” Co-ordinator and she will be the lead person ensuring that we Wednesday 28th March provide a safe environment at “Growing Up” all church events. Her contact Thinking Day: 25th February details will be displayed in the church and the Youth Hall. Alison’s first service after her study leave will mark Thinking My thanks to everyone who Day and has been planned continues to work so hard to along with the Brownies.